Universal Protocol Architecture
A technical overview of Universal: uAssets, Merchants, Coinbase Prime custody, and the just-in-time liquidity model.
Universal is a wrapped asset protocol that enables cross-chain trading through permissioned Merchants and regulated custody.
Core components
uAssets - ERC-20/SPL tokens representing 1:1 backed versions of underlying assets (uBTC, uSOL, uDOGE, uXRP).
Merchants - Permissioned entities that mint and burn uAssets. They provide just-in-time liquidity.
Custodian - Coinbase Prime holds underlying assets. Reserves are verifiable via proof of reserves.
Trade flow
- User requests a quote through the Universal API
- Merchant provides guaranteed pricing
- User signs the order
- Merchant mints uAssets to user's address
- Transaction settles onchain
Just-in-time liquidity
Unlike AMMs with pre-funded pools, Universal uses JIT liquidity:
- Merchants mint assets on-demand when trades occur
- No capital sitting idle in pools
- No impermanent loss for liquidity providers
- Access to deep offchain liquidity
Multi-chain model
uAssets exist natively on each chain. No bridging - assets are minted directly on the target chain. Every uAsset is backed 1:1, regardless of which chain it's on.
Supported chains: Base, Arbitrum, Polygon, Solana, World.
Security
- 1:1 reserve backing in Coinbase Prime custody
- zkProof-based proof of reserves
- Audited smart contracts (EVM and Solana)
- Permissioned Merchants with compliance requirements
Integration options
- Universal API - RFQ system for wallets
- TypeScript SDK - Viem-compatible library
- Uniswap V4 Hook - Atomic swaps
Contract addresses
100+ token contracts across all chains. View all addresses
Full documentation
Introducing the Universal V4 Hook
The most capital-efficient way to enable trading of wrapped assets on your app. Atomic swaps via Uniswap V4.
Integrate the Universal API
Add 80+ cross-chain assets to your app. The Universal API provides just-in-time liquidity via an RFQ system.
Getting Started with the Universal SDK
The Universal SDK handles quote requests, signing, and order submission. Viem-compatible, fully typed.
